A Bigger Bolder PUREGOLD CINEPANALO 2025

 

These are exciting times, not just for the movie goers but the creatives, those who work behind the scenes in this year's PUREGOLD Cine Panalo Film Festival.

I went up the elevator of Artson events place this morning with some of the brightest stars, including filmmakers, directors that have already made names in the industry. I already knew how much this costs, millions just in production. Php 3M for 8 entries, and Php 125,000 for 24 student filmmakers, makes this a worthy festival in the country. Mind you, this has already produced international awards in previous years, so no doubt, this is a great platform for all these stars, production in the coming days. This year, they have partnered with MTRCB, Gateway Cineplex 18, Mowelfund, Terminal Six, CMB Films, and MFP rentals.

Choosing entries this year has been stressful for the committee and Puregold execs because of the so many talented individuals who sent their films. If my memory serves me right, they had over a hundred ++ to screen and only 8 would be picked. They had even more hopefuls for the Student Short film category and they got 24 out of it. Some of which are actually schools from provinces, so you see, that's exactly what they wanted to do, a platform for talented ones anywhere you are in the country.

Here are the 8 FULL LENGTH Entries:

 

 

 For the STUDENT SHORTS Category, here are the entries:

If you see that I have a wee bit of obsession when it comes to the entry of KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad's entry called CO-LOVE, it's because people have been waiting for their pairings movie debut. Although this is probably going to be a moment for KD Estrada, Alexa is so supportive about their appearance in this film together with Kira Balinger and Jameson Blake. There's going to be real hard work to be done to showcase what they can do as a pair, and as individual artists. We also talked to Alexa a bit about their movie and her other projects:

 There's more where these movies came from, and certainly, we have a lot to look forward to on March where they plan to put these in theaters. Please make sure you also come in the theaters a bit early so you could see the short films that students have also made.

 

For more information about the films, please follow PUREGOLD's social channels and their official website. Be part of the growing crowd that not only adores Puregold's products and prices, but their passion to help film makers have this platform, to tell their story.

Kimpoy Sparks Romance with Three Subway B.M.T Sandwiches

Looks like Vlogger Kimpoy Feliciano has his hands full choosing between three B, M and T, played by Natazha Bautista, Breena Ylaya and Queen Semana in a digital ad for popular brand Subway released today. The ladies have their own personas, where one is adventurous, one is a health freak, and also one is practical, so choosing among them alone will be a huge task much like his obsession with three B.M.T sandwiches which he loves from Subway.

He says "Every time I go to Subway, I see a sandwich fit for any occasion, it's quite hard to pick one because I've got a lot of favorites. There's certainly one Subway B.M.T. Sandwich for you!"

Whether you love the B.M.T. Classic, the Double Cheese or the Egg Mayo B.M.T. Plus variant, you get your fill of freshness without going over budget. 

As Mr. Joshua Wahiman, the Marketing Manager of Subway Philippines puts it "Love is such a relatable topic especially for Filipinos much like the sandwich options you can get at every Subway branch. Kimpoy has definitely put our message across, we love how he did it on our digital ad." 

Kimpoy's Full Confession 💚

Because with Subway®, YOU can have the BIGGEST, MEATIEST, and TASTIEST choices 🥪 of Classic B.M.T.™, B.M.T.™ Plus, and B.M.T.™ Double Cheese. Truly #WorthEat!

Posted by Subway Philippines on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

The men and women behind it include famed Director Chris Cahilig, Director of Photography Noel Teehankee, Food Stylist Kia del Rosario, Line Producer Jel Plans, and post production Offline Editor Yvette Mijares, Online Editor Kenneth Amparo, Sound Design by Kat Salinas, Color by Sia Magsaysay, and Musical Score by Paulo Almacen. The brand hopes Kimpoy's fans would love the ad as much as they did and bring the same excitement in a nearby Subway branch so they too could love their favorite sandwich today. They give you choices! 

Insight 360 Outs New Film Starring Kakai Bautista and Zoren Legaspi

 

I have seen the films ECHORSIS (2016 award winning gay comedy horror themed film) and Mia (2020, environmental themed) which was produced by Chris Cahilig under Insight 360 Films. These were well made and talked about very pressing issues. This time, they released the next one (through a teaser), a very promising one at that called "Miss Q & A: Para sa magaganda lang ba ang love life?".

The film is directed by Lemuel Lorca who's got several awards on his belt, while the screenplay was done by John Bedia in collaboration with Lorca and Cahilig. It stars Dental Diva Kakai Bautista and the immortal, vampire like leading man Zoren Legaspi. Yes, it looks like an odd combination but producer Chris Cahilig puts this as a way to believe in love. Check out this teaser they released a couple days ago so you get to know what I'm talking about. This also features the song "Halika" which is written and sung by Seth Dunga. This is also available in digital stores and Spotify if you want to hear more of it.

 

 This film might be a romcom, but it feels more dreamy and romantic. Though it really asked that question that nobody would often do. Though successful, Kakai's character is portrayed here as the one less fortunate in the looks department, but their interactions say otherwise as Zoren became the perfect gentleman, going through the experience of dating in a theme park and swooning the lady he's with. Zoren looks so good on screen, and the way Kakai takes in his efforts, felt so genuine Honestly, I'm pretty excited to see this on silver screen, but things are still a little dangerous out there that this might be shown soon on digital channels, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, listen to the "Halika" which will be the official soundtrack for this film on Spotify. I'm sure you would mistake it as a foreign artist just like I did earlier. Pretty good in my books!

 

 

MEGA Sardines Presents FIRST DAY

I am impressed, it looks like MEGA Sardines is at it again. 

 With the success of their first two viral videos called “Adulting” and “Tipidity”, they recently came out with another short film called "First Day", a play on one of the most pivotal moments in your life, your first job. Do you still remember that day? 

 Director Chris Cahilig puts in a little dash of romance as character Joseph played by Jindric Macapagal tries to make it big in Metro Manila. He then finds himself smitten over coffee breaks, lunch outs, with an angelic ward as he enjoys every moment with comfort food so close to Filipinos, over a can or two of what could cause #MegaGandaAngBuhay to happen.

This short film was made through the efforts of Tiu Lim Foundation (executive producer), Rommel Sales (cinematography), Yuji Gonzales (screenplay), Jegs Morales (offline editor), Kenneth Amparo (online editor), Melai Entuna (line producer), Clark Lopez (assistant director), Kat Salinas (sound design), Richard Gonzales (scoring), Det Moldera (accounts manager), Yani Bautista (production manager) and Johanna Evangelista (production coordinator). 

 If you would like to see “First Day”, it can now be viewed at MEGA’s official Facebook page facebook.com/officialmegasardines and their YouTube channel (just search Mega Global). Currently, “Tipidity” and “Adulting” has almost 3 million views on YouTube. You may also watch these short films through MEGA Sardines’ official FB page too. 

Thanks to Mega Global Corporation for doing this. As you may well know, they are also the manufacturer of MEGA Sardines, one of the country's freshest sardines packed 12 hours from catching to canning. You can get it in easy open cans and pouch forms. I love their Spicy version personally for breakfast. 

 Now go watch it. You'll love how the story would turn out.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

MEGA Sardines Does Touching #MegaGandaAngBuhay Shorts

Award winning Director and PR Maven Chris Cahilig just came out with a new short film called “Tipidity” for household brand Mega Sardines as they introduce #MegaGandaAngBuhay. They are probably going to do a few but I like this slice of life pov, it reminds us how we all take effort to have a hearty meal even in a very quaint simple setting. I bet most of you probably have a can of sardines in your pantry, it’s also probably one of the basics you often get at the grocery counter. Even at that price point, it gives you comfort, a trait that spanned generations and I also bet, you still do it now.

“Tipidity” talks about a husband and wife, newlyweds who go through hardships of life, their economic status, showcases the resilience of the Filipino family. Headlined by indie actors Karl Medina and Kia Del Rosario who in this film, albeit industrious in their careers - suddenly are met with financial griefs. It tried and tested their marriage in so many ways, but in the end, will they still be together? Will they weather through these problems? Or suffer the fate of tons of relationships, who fail unfortunately?

They knew they had to tighten their belt, they knew they had to make sacrifices, which a lot of people would be able to relate, more so now with the high inflation rates.

We don’t want to be political, so make sure you see this Tipidity installment on Mega Sardines Facebook page and assets, you’ll also love the next ones, so stay tuned!

There will be more stories soon!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

The Slapping Contest Between Good and Evil That Is ECHORSIS

I was a little hesitant to actually watch a Filipino film as I've seen a lot of fails in the past. The title itself is crazy so I wasn't really thinking of enjoying myself and didn't think this was actually a smart idea. A little dated on some details but overall, ECHORSIS deserves your attention. Let me try to state a couple of reasons why.

I've known Chris Cahilig in the PR industry and he's been doing quite good. In fact, I was a little dumbfounded on why he's actually producing a film. He's already managed talents, did a lot for OPM, believed in the brands he's representing but it was always at the back of his mind. He dreamed of making films. The opportunity was just there when he talked to the film's director Lem Lorca. The material was just waiting to be produced so when they met, it was like serendipity. It didn't felt romantic but everything seems to have been falling into place. Chris just grabbed his bag and said "Yes! We're going to produce this film!"

During the premier night, we spotted the film's stars and right in front of the theater was beauty queer Francine Garcia. Yes, she's from Super Sireyna and plays one of the friends of John Lapus' character. I could sense they probably are trying to represent the norms of gayhood (if there was a term for that) in the film and tell the story how when one fails to come out when everybody else  was.

There's actually three lead stars in the film and it includes hot Alex Medina and equally good looking Kean Cipriano. The story and climax will actually spin with these two so pay attention how their relationship came about. I don't want to spoil it for you so I'll stop there. I like the confrontation scene between the possessed Alex and the priest Kean, you probably have seen that in the trailers. It's a lot funnier when you see it in the big screen so invite your friends to see this on April 13!

You'll also get schooled by popular Bekimon and have to connect the dots if you don't know what he's saying. He's part of the posse of John Lapus. In the film, he plays the loud and flamboyant friend who wants to get the "coming out" part over with. Unfortunately John Lapuz' family is super strict, not to mention Odette Khan is his mother. She didn't get to slap him though. Aside from that, I'm sure somewhere in the death scene, Bekimon and Francine Garcia enjoyed their time. You would need to research on that.

Alex Medina, Kean Cipriano and John Lapus didn't hold back in this film. Although I have to admit, the role of Mich Liggayu wasn't executed well. You'll love the scene with Alessandra De Rossi because no matter how small and confined that scene was, you'll remember her even when the film finishes. Add to that the little neighbor that enjoyed the car wash. Nico Antonio is here too and is part of the gang of John Lapus. He's basically the serious one and you'll get a ton of laughs from the situations he's gonna get into. Improvements should be done on the special effects, more so on the spinning head scene (which you'll know when you watch it). For the production limitations (as this is independently produced), they did good though.

I think I might have given this movie and the character too much praise, but really, I did enjoy it. It's the quintessential eye opener for those who are still boxed up in slapstick gay comedies. This is dark, but still had time to change shape and become analogous to a border-less translation of queer love, hope and betrayal. If you're straight, you'll learn about the homosexual capacity to communicate unfathomable romance and how rejection can lead to outright evil. For those yearning for flesh, you'll get a chok-full of abs in the film and might even consider it essential. So eat that up - and enjoy the movie!

Make sure you line up on theaters this April 13th in these cinemas as they are also Graded B PG 13 by the MTRCB!

For more information about their artists:

ECHORSIS

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